MTV's racy 'Skins' show prompts Taco Bell to pull ads

Skins, the American version of a popular British show that debuted on MTV this week, features teenage characters played by teenage actors simulating sex, drinking, using drugs and more.

On Thursday, the Parents Television Council called on the chairmen of the U.S. Senate and House Judiciary Committees and the Department of Justice to immediately open an investigation regarding child pornography and exploitation on the show. The youngest cast member is 15, says the Times.

And following the PTC protest, Taco Bell pulled its advertising on the show.

Spokesperson Rob Poetsch tells The Hollywood Reporter, "We advertise on a variety of MTV programs that reach our core demographic of 18 to 34 year olds, which included the premiere episode of Skins. Upon further review, we've decided that the show is not a fit for our brand and have moved our advertising to other MTV programming."

The New York Times reported Wednesday that the network is worried and has ordered producers to make changes to tone down some of the most explicit content. In the 41-minute premiere of Skins, the PTC says it counted 42 depictions and references to drugs and alcohol.

MTV told THR: "Skins is a show that addresses real-world issues confronting teens in a frank way. We review all of our shows and work with all of our producers on an ongoing basis to ensure our shows comply with laws and community standards. We are confident that the episodes of Skins will not only comply with all applicable legal requirements, but also with our responsibilities to our viewers."

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